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Sean Coleman Thriller #1
From a Dead Sleep
"A fast reading suspense book that surprised me so much, I had to finish it in one sitting." - Alice de Sturler of the American Investigative Society Of Cold Cases.
"An epic thriller with a memorable, unorthodox main character... a riveting read..." - Colorado Country Life Magazine.
There are times when the truth invites evil, and there are times when the truth can get you killed. Few residents in the secluded mountain-town of Winston, Colorado, have kind words to say about local troublemaker Sean Coleman. He's a bully, a drunk, and a crime-show addicted armchair detective with an overactive imagination. After a night of poor judgment, Sean finds himself the sole witness to the unusual suicide of a mysterious stranger. With the body whisked away in the chilling rapids of a raging river, no one believes Sean's account. When his claim is met with doubt and mockery from the people of Winston, Sean embarks on a far-reaching crusade that takes him across the country in search of the dead man's identity and personal vindication. He hopes to find redemption and the truth---but sometimes the truth is better left unknown.
"An epic thriller with a memorable, unorthodox main character... a riveting read..." - Colorado Country Life Magazine.
There are times when the truth invites evil, and there are times when the truth can get you killed. Few residents in the secluded mountain-town of Winston, Colorado, have kind words to say about local troublemaker Sean Coleman. He's a bully, a drunk, and a crime-show addicted armchair detective with an overactive imagination. After a night of poor judgment, Sean finds himself the sole witness to the unusual suicide of a mysterious stranger. With the body whisked away in the chilling rapids of a raging river, no one believes Sean's account. When his claim is met with doubt and mockery from the people of Winston, Sean embarks on a far-reaching crusade that takes him across the country in search of the dead man's identity and personal vindication. He hopes to find redemption and the truth---but sometimes the truth is better left unknown.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2013
714 people are currently reading
1377 people want to read
About the author
John A. Daly
6 books73 followersA lifelong Coloradoan, John graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 1996 with a degree in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems. He spent the next 16 years developing accounting software and Internet-based, workflow collaboration solutions.
With a thirst for creative expression that went beyond the logic and absolutes of computer programming, John developed an interest in writing. His early work included newspaper editorials, and film and television reviews for entertainment websites. He later became drawn toward more substantive commentary on world events. He currently writes political, cultural, and media-analysis columns for the website of Bernard Goldberg, former CBS News journalist and New York Times bestselling author. He's also written for National Review, Paste Magazine, and the Greeley Tribune.
John felt compelled to take his writing to the next level after watching a television interview with former NFL football player, Tim Green. Inspired by Green's career transition from a professional athlete to an accomplished author, John found the motivation to begin work on his first novel, "From a Dead Sleep".
From a Dead Sleep is book one in the Sean Coleman Thriller series. It was followed by Blood Trade (book two), Broken Slate (book three), Safeguard (book four), and Restitution (book five).
The series unfolds in the dense mountain ranges of Colorado where John has spent much time, camping, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.
John lives in Greeley, Colorado with his wife and two children.
With a thirst for creative expression that went beyond the logic and absolutes of computer programming, John developed an interest in writing. His early work included newspaper editorials, and film and television reviews for entertainment websites. He later became drawn toward more substantive commentary on world events. He currently writes political, cultural, and media-analysis columns for the website of Bernard Goldberg, former CBS News journalist and New York Times bestselling author. He's also written for National Review, Paste Magazine, and the Greeley Tribune.
John felt compelled to take his writing to the next level after watching a television interview with former NFL football player, Tim Green. Inspired by Green's career transition from a professional athlete to an accomplished author, John found the motivation to begin work on his first novel, "From a Dead Sleep".
From a Dead Sleep is book one in the Sean Coleman Thriller series. It was followed by Blood Trade (book two), Broken Slate (book three), Safeguard (book four), and Restitution (book five).
The series unfolds in the dense mountain ranges of Colorado where John has spent much time, camping, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.
John lives in Greeley, Colorado with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 22, 2016
Sean Coleman is an angry young man with a drinking problem and a real bad attitude. Living in the small Colorado town of Winston, Sean works as a security guard for his Uncle and lives a sad life from paycheck to paycheck. Early one morning, Sean accidentally witnesses a man committing suicide by shooting himself in the back of the head and falling into the fast moving currents of a river. Sean reports what he saw to the Sheriff who reluctantly checks it out, finds nothing and like the rest of the small town, thinks Sean is lying. Sean decides he needs to investigate the area around the river to try and find out who died and why and ultimately prove everyone who knows him, wrong. What Sean finds leads him on a fast paced, cross country trip to unravel the mystery and find justice for the victim.
Nobody would accuse Sean Coleman of being a nice guy which, in my mind, makes his whole character compelling and original. His self imposed journey from the pain and loneliness of his sorry, small town life to the self discipline and tenacity he employs in his one man crusade is ultimately about redemption. Redemption for himself, his family and the people of Winston, Colorado. This is an excellent first novel by a very talented author with gift for original character development.
Nobody would accuse Sean Coleman of being a nice guy which, in my mind, makes his whole character compelling and original. His self imposed journey from the pain and loneliness of his sorry, small town life to the self discipline and tenacity he employs in his one man crusade is ultimately about redemption. Redemption for himself, his family and the people of Winston, Colorado. This is an excellent first novel by a very talented author with gift for original character development.
November 1, 2018
Let me preface this by saying I'm possibly the most difficult person to pull into a book because I have zero patience and zero attention span. If the author doesn't get right to it from the beginning, I'm out. Too many authors take way too much time to describe scenery, clothing and other mundane details. I want the plot, and I want it now. And Daly does not fail to deliver in this book. (Especially impressive, considering it's his first novel!) Yes, he does take some time in the beginning to properly develop the characters, but there was never a point where I had to force myself to read on. There were a plethora of moments where I couldn't put the book down and found myself racing through each page to find out what happens next. And I love the character arc he does for the protagonist. I also love that the protagonist is flawed and, therefore, believable as a character. Nicely, nicely done.
July 12, 2013
Growing up in the secluded mountain town of Winston, Colorado – the middle of nowhere – carries its own burdens. Especially when you aren’t the kind of guy who gets much respect from anyone. Not that Sean Coleman has earned much respect. He’s always been a bully, even when he was in high school. His manners and personal habits are distasteful and he’s a drunk, the kind of drunk who gets mean then falls face down and lays there until morning.
The only thing that’s kept him going is his work as a security guard at his uncle’s company. It’s not much of a job, but Sean takes the responsibility seriously. Not far below his bad mannered alcoholic exterior, he wants to be a hero. He’s addicted to crime shows and he has an active — many would say overactive — imagination.
Whatever else is wrong with him, he’s no dummy. Sean is a keen observer of his surroundings, a man who notices small things, details others miss or dismiss. It’s gotten him into trouble in the past and it’s about to do it again. Early in the morning following a particularly unfortunate night of bad choices and heavy drinking, Sean is the sole witness to a bizarre suicide. The man is a mystery, a total stranger — rare in a tiny rural town. Slowed by difficult terrain and his own sluggish, hung-over reflexes, his attempt to prevent the death are unsuccessful. Equally unsuccessful but much more embarrassing are his attempts to convince local law enforcement something really happened.
There’s not a shred of solid evidence. The body is gone, flushed away by the powerful current of the river into which it fell. Most people think Sean’s account is his imagination or an outright lie. Yet a there are some folks who know him well and harbor a nagging suspicion there might be something to his strange story.
Lacking a body or hard evidence, Sean finds he has become — again — the town’s biggest joke. But this time, he knows what he saw. He can’t let it go. When he finds a few scraps of evidence, he determines to follow the trail wherever it leads. He’s going to see this through to a conclusion. For good or ill. Because he’s been living a life he no longer wants. He needs a win, something to restore his credibility with the town, his family, and above all, himself.
Sean Coleman needs redemption.
With no money or even a cell phone, a credit card or a plan … armed with a fierce determination to prove himself and his father’s old 45 revolver, Sean embarks on a quest. It takes him cross-country to uncover a network of evil uglier and more dangerous than he imagined possible.
Sean Coleman is complex. An unlikely protagonist, a gray man in a black and white world. The theme reminded me of Clint Eastwood’s “Gran Torino” – the gruff, anti-social protagonist looking for salvation in a most unlikely way.
FROM A DEAD SLEEP is a page turner, an exciting, well-written thriller with a solid back story and more than enough plot twists to keep you guessing. Most interesting is the slow discovery of Sean as his personality is peeled back, layer by layer. Sean Coleman is not easy to like, yet you quickly find yourself paying him grudging respect, even admiration.
Enigmas are nested inside mysteries. It’s a lot of book and nothing is as it seems. The journey is well worth taking.
The only thing that’s kept him going is his work as a security guard at his uncle’s company. It’s not much of a job, but Sean takes the responsibility seriously. Not far below his bad mannered alcoholic exterior, he wants to be a hero. He’s addicted to crime shows and he has an active — many would say overactive — imagination.
Whatever else is wrong with him, he’s no dummy. Sean is a keen observer of his surroundings, a man who notices small things, details others miss or dismiss. It’s gotten him into trouble in the past and it’s about to do it again. Early in the morning following a particularly unfortunate night of bad choices and heavy drinking, Sean is the sole witness to a bizarre suicide. The man is a mystery, a total stranger — rare in a tiny rural town. Slowed by difficult terrain and his own sluggish, hung-over reflexes, his attempt to prevent the death are unsuccessful. Equally unsuccessful but much more embarrassing are his attempts to convince local law enforcement something really happened.
There’s not a shred of solid evidence. The body is gone, flushed away by the powerful current of the river into which it fell. Most people think Sean’s account is his imagination or an outright lie. Yet a there are some folks who know him well and harbor a nagging suspicion there might be something to his strange story.
Lacking a body or hard evidence, Sean finds he has become — again — the town’s biggest joke. But this time, he knows what he saw. He can’t let it go. When he finds a few scraps of evidence, he determines to follow the trail wherever it leads. He’s going to see this through to a conclusion. For good or ill. Because he’s been living a life he no longer wants. He needs a win, something to restore his credibility with the town, his family, and above all, himself.
Sean Coleman needs redemption.
With no money or even a cell phone, a credit card or a plan … armed with a fierce determination to prove himself and his father’s old 45 revolver, Sean embarks on a quest. It takes him cross-country to uncover a network of evil uglier and more dangerous than he imagined possible.
Sean Coleman is complex. An unlikely protagonist, a gray man in a black and white world. The theme reminded me of Clint Eastwood’s “Gran Torino” – the gruff, anti-social protagonist looking for salvation in a most unlikely way.
FROM A DEAD SLEEP is a page turner, an exciting, well-written thriller with a solid back story and more than enough plot twists to keep you guessing. Most interesting is the slow discovery of Sean as his personality is peeled back, layer by layer. Sean Coleman is not easy to like, yet you quickly find yourself paying him grudging respect, even admiration.
Enigmas are nested inside mysteries. It’s a lot of book and nothing is as it seems. The journey is well worth taking.
November 1, 2013
My View:
A thriller that packs a punch!
This was a very exciting debut novel from John A Daly. This novel packs a lot of jaw dropping action into its well structured narrative – a narrative that gives life to the myriad of characters that inhabit its pages and provides plenty of plot twists and turns to keep you glued to the pages.
I like that the protagonist, Sean Coleman, is flawed and is not the handsome mesmerising playboy or the angst filled detective you find in so many works of crime fiction. Coleman’s life attitude is shaped by many depressing and sad experiences; his father deserted the family when he was a child, he has few if any friends, he is an outcast, the adult Coleman leads a hand to mouth existence, he is ridiculed and excluded from the social networks of the small community he lives in. Coleman is his own worst enemy- he drinks too much, he takes poor care of his health and life, he lacks confidence and has lots of regrets. However during the course of the narrative Coleman’s strong points are slowly revealed; his acute powers of observation, his diligence and strong sense of justice that drive him forward on this case. As Coleman grows in confidence we get a sense of a shift in attitude that empowers and has the ability to change Sean Coleman’s life for the better. Let’s hope so.
I did enjoy this read, it had plenty of excitement, car chases, gun battles, murders and mysteries a plenty. I like the character development – I feel I could recognise the characters in this novel if they were to step out from the page. This a great work of crime fiction from a debut author. Please check out the book trailer at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dx-Bc... and check out John’s website:
http://johndalybooks.com/ to learn more about this author.
A thriller that packs a punch!
This was a very exciting debut novel from John A Daly. This novel packs a lot of jaw dropping action into its well structured narrative – a narrative that gives life to the myriad of characters that inhabit its pages and provides plenty of plot twists and turns to keep you glued to the pages.
I like that the protagonist, Sean Coleman, is flawed and is not the handsome mesmerising playboy or the angst filled detective you find in so many works of crime fiction. Coleman’s life attitude is shaped by many depressing and sad experiences; his father deserted the family when he was a child, he has few if any friends, he is an outcast, the adult Coleman leads a hand to mouth existence, he is ridiculed and excluded from the social networks of the small community he lives in. Coleman is his own worst enemy- he drinks too much, he takes poor care of his health and life, he lacks confidence and has lots of regrets. However during the course of the narrative Coleman’s strong points are slowly revealed; his acute powers of observation, his diligence and strong sense of justice that drive him forward on this case. As Coleman grows in confidence we get a sense of a shift in attitude that empowers and has the ability to change Sean Coleman’s life for the better. Let’s hope so.
I did enjoy this read, it had plenty of excitement, car chases, gun battles, murders and mysteries a plenty. I like the character development – I feel I could recognise the characters in this novel if they were to step out from the page. This a great work of crime fiction from a debut author. Please check out the book trailer at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dx-Bc... and check out John’s website:
http://johndalybooks.com/ to learn more about this author.
November 2, 2013
2.5 stars (it's not possible to give a half!)
It’s an usual move to build a book around a dislikeable character. Indeed, I kept waiting for small town bad-boy Sean Coleman to bring the charm, but…. it just didn’t happen for me.
John A. Daly’s first book, From a Dead Sleep, centres around Coleman, local drunk and bully who – when waking from a bender in near a deserted bridge – witnesses the death of a stranger whose body disappears into the river below.
Because Coleman is a fan of TV crime shows and has cried ‘wolf’ too often, his brother-in-law Sheriff fails to act on his allegations causing Coleman to attempt to unravel the mystery for himself.
Of course by the time the Sheriff and townsfolk realise Coleman was telling the truth, he’s already triggered a series of events which will impact on the lives on those around him.
There was a lot of potential in this book, but it didn’t quite deliver for me. It included A LOT of descriptive detail – particularly later in the novel when we meet those actions caused the series of events which eventually play out. The lengthy backstory also seemed to break the cardinal rule for authors: show don’t tell.
However, this is Daly’s first book and the premise is a good one.
In a blog post Daly talks about his characters being flawed and neither black nor white. I can understand that, but perhaps would have liked a larger role for the Sheriff (who I did ‘bond’ with, along with his wife and Coleman’s sister-in-law, and local lad, Toby).
I received a review copy of this book via the publisher, BQB Publishing and NetGalley.
It’s an usual move to build a book around a dislikeable character. Indeed, I kept waiting for small town bad-boy Sean Coleman to bring the charm, but…. it just didn’t happen for me.
John A. Daly’s first book, From a Dead Sleep, centres around Coleman, local drunk and bully who – when waking from a bender in near a deserted bridge – witnesses the death of a stranger whose body disappears into the river below.
Because Coleman is a fan of TV crime shows and has cried ‘wolf’ too often, his brother-in-law Sheriff fails to act on his allegations causing Coleman to attempt to unravel the mystery for himself.
Of course by the time the Sheriff and townsfolk realise Coleman was telling the truth, he’s already triggered a series of events which will impact on the lives on those around him.
There was a lot of potential in this book, but it didn’t quite deliver for me. It included A LOT of descriptive detail – particularly later in the novel when we meet those actions caused the series of events which eventually play out. The lengthy backstory also seemed to break the cardinal rule for authors: show don’t tell.
However, this is Daly’s first book and the premise is a good one.
In a blog post Daly talks about his characters being flawed and neither black nor white. I can understand that, but perhaps would have liked a larger role for the Sheriff (who I did ‘bond’ with, along with his wife and Coleman’s sister-in-law, and local lad, Toby).
I received a review copy of this book via the publisher, BQB Publishing and NetGalley.
January 2, 2014
***I won a free paperback after winning a Goodreads giveaway***
I loved this book. The suspense had me sitting on the edge of my seat. The bad guys didn’t care who they had to kill in order to keep their secret. My favorite types of books have a sort of mystery in them–I’m all about trying to solve a clue or puzzle before the end of the book. It was cool how I would think things would turn out a certain way, then something new and fresh would happen. There were definitely twists and turns throughout the story.
I liked that the main character was the town loser. It made the tension and conflict between characters seem more real. I shed a tear when his uncle died. The author did a fabulous job with the setting details–I could picture every touch, smell, sight that the characters went through. His writing style was very descriptive, making me see everything as a blockbuster hit. I could picture Sean as Robert De Niro or Bradley Cooper.
As a reader, I’m a huge fan of the jerks, so I loved Sean. I rooted for him since the beginning. He would make a good detective if he could calm down LOL. The story was also action-packed; I cared for everyone’s safety. No one was safe. The book especially got more interesting when Sean made it to Michigan to warn the dead guy’s wife about things he found out.
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
I loved this book. The suspense had me sitting on the edge of my seat. The bad guys didn’t care who they had to kill in order to keep their secret. My favorite types of books have a sort of mystery in them–I’m all about trying to solve a clue or puzzle before the end of the book. It was cool how I would think things would turn out a certain way, then something new and fresh would happen. There were definitely twists and turns throughout the story.
I liked that the main character was the town loser. It made the tension and conflict between characters seem more real. I shed a tear when his uncle died. The author did a fabulous job with the setting details–I could picture every touch, smell, sight that the characters went through. His writing style was very descriptive, making me see everything as a blockbuster hit. I could picture Sean as Robert De Niro or Bradley Cooper.
As a reader, I’m a huge fan of the jerks, so I loved Sean. I rooted for him since the beginning. He would make a good detective if he could calm down LOL. The story was also action-packed; I cared for everyone’s safety. No one was safe. The book especially got more interesting when Sean made it to Michigan to warn the dead guy’s wife about things he found out.
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
February 17, 2016
When I first started reading this book, I kept seeing the author speaking, having been acquainted with him for a short time. As I kept reading, however, I could not seem to reconcile the fact that I happen to know the person who propelled me into this world, because that is where I seemed to be...in another world.
The fact that I knew John Daly was receding further and further away. That is what we, as readers expect from our books, that they help us escape from our everyday lives. From a Dead Sleep accomplished that for me. The characters were vibrant. I loved how he took a decidedly unlikeable character in the beginning and transformed him into something else entirely.
I think that I may feel better about my children watching T.V. after this, also, as I see a number of television shows apparently made their impression on John growing up... Good job, John's parents!
Thanks John, for making me believe in your Genre.
The fact that I knew John Daly was receding further and further away. That is what we, as readers expect from our books, that they help us escape from our everyday lives. From a Dead Sleep accomplished that for me. The characters were vibrant. I loved how he took a decidedly unlikeable character in the beginning and transformed him into something else entirely.
I think that I may feel better about my children watching T.V. after this, also, as I see a number of television shows apparently made their impression on John growing up... Good job, John's parents!
Thanks John, for making me believe in your Genre.
October 9, 2013
I was nervous to read this book because I know the author and his family...I was worried how I would respond if I didn't like this book. Thankfully, curiosity won out. I REALLY enjoyed this first book from John. As Lori commented, in the beginning, I acknowledged that I knew the author and also being a Colorado native, I found myself trying identify many of the area descriptions, i.e. Lakeland is somewhat like Loveland (in name only)...but after awhile, I completely forgot that I know John and just got lost in the story. At the start, I disliked Sean Coleman and questioned how he would redeem himself by the end, but strangely, he became endearing and I found myself rooting for him. The best books, in my opinion, are the ones that you want to keep returning to, even AFTER you have finished them...From a Dead Sleep is definitely one of those books. Looking forward to a sequel!!
July 10, 2013
Imagine witnessing a murder and no one believes you. Then imagine you not giving anyone a reason to because of the person you are. Initially, Sean wasn't someone I expected to be the hero. As the story went on and as the mystery unfolded, he was actually perfect for the part.
I liked how each character was detailed, which gave me a face to the action. Daly goes back in forth in time and between characters to fully paint the picture for the reader. If it wasn't for the action, I might have got lost but it worked well in this novel. I also appreciated a faulty character who finds redemption and love.
This review was posted on my book blog.
I liked how each character was detailed, which gave me a face to the action. Daly goes back in forth in time and between characters to fully paint the picture for the reader. If it wasn't for the action, I might have got lost but it worked well in this novel. I also appreciated a faulty character who finds redemption and love.
This review was posted on my book blog.
July 1, 2013
Great read! I enjoyed the development of characters through out the entire novel. Very interesting twists. Mr Daly did a great job building the plot from the first chapter to the last.
September 20, 2013
This was a fantastic read that left me wanting more.
November 29, 2015
Good Read
I like Coleman! He does the right things. I enjoyed the tension with his brother-in-law. Looking forward to the second book!
I like Coleman! He does the right things. I enjoyed the tension with his brother-in-law. Looking forward to the second book!
July 17, 2018
I read 35 to 40 books per year, most of them in exactly the genre of this book. So it's my kind of novel, and I've read a lot of them all the way from bestseller authors like David Baldacci and Lee Child to newcomers giving away ebooks. This is one of the best debut thriller novels I've ever read. It's started just a bit slow as we got to know Sean Coleman, but it picked up as it went along. John A. Daly writes well and tells an engaging story. I'll definitely be reading the rest of the Sean Coleman series.
September 8, 2018
The writing grabs your attention from the first page and keeps you turning until well after your bedtime! John's words make each scene vivid, you are a voyeur as each chapter unfolds. I wasn't sure I was going to like this Sean Coleman character, but his dogged determination to uncover the truth brought me around in the end. Its amazing what a little appreciation can do to someones confidence and demeanor.
April 4, 2022
Have thesaurus will write, apparently. This is way overwritten with too many adjectives and adverbs and weird verb choices. It was so distracting and off-putting that I only made it through the first chapter. DNF @3%. Normally I wouldn’t rate after such a small sample, but I feel confident making a judgement here.
January 8, 2018
Excellent mystery
Great characters. Read this book in one day, couldn't put it down. Looking forward to more by this author! Highly recommended.
Great characters. Read this book in one day, couldn't put it down. Looking forward to more by this author! Highly recommended.
November 6, 2018
A four star which could have been a five star read with some selective editing! There were several instances where the wrong word was used i.e. word used was deduct should have been deduce. I lost sleep because of this book. I couldn't stop reading it. Great story, well told! The ending a bit lame -- beautiful woman falls for a big oaf.
December 13, 2018
this was a creepy story, i really enjoyed this story. suitable for age 12+ this had a couple words that were confusing but made sense after re reading it a couple times.
July 15, 2018
It was interesting, suspenseful and had romantic scenes. Kept me interested.
January 3, 2018
Underdog wins big.
Good hearted, alcoholic, huge lumbering man, joke of the town, comes out the hero. Shows himself to have no fear and willing to protect the weak. Really enjoyed this one.
Good hearted, alcoholic, huge lumbering man, joke of the town, comes out the hero. Shows himself to have no fear and willing to protect the weak. Really enjoyed this one.
January 15, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book from the first paragraph because of the excellent writing style. Sean Coleman happens to see someone commit suicide from a bridge in small town Winston, Colorado. When no one believes him (no body), Sean’s efforts to find out the identity of the guy leads him to become involved with Las Vegas mobsters and protecting the suicide victim’s wife. Lots of suspense and action, good story and character development.
May 9, 2014
Warning: There will be spoilers in this review.
So I find it a little funny. I liked the book. It was well written, interesting, and intense, and I was up until midnight last night to finish it and find out what happens. But I did not like the main character Sean Coleman. I found him to be self centered, egotistical, and really, kind of a looser. And he got the girl in the end? Really? And the itch on the back of his head that was mentioned throughout the book but not given any real explanation. Was it a physical manifestation of his incompetence and failures so far in life but is healing now that he was actually able to accomplish something?
I enjoyed being able to read the story from different peoples point of view and how it gave me a different persepective and view of what was going on, expecially since the other characters were thinking the opposite or more negatively. For example, Kyle doing what he did to try and keep Lisa safe, but she just thinks he's a liar and cheater.
I really like the character of Lumbergh and glad that he was such a large part. I'm also glad that he lived after getting shot. At first I had thought he had been killed.
Overall this was a really good book, and I look forward to reading anything else by John A. Daly.
So I find it a little funny. I liked the book. It was well written, interesting, and intense, and I was up until midnight last night to finish it and find out what happens. But I did not like the main character Sean Coleman. I found him to be self centered, egotistical, and really, kind of a looser. And he got the girl in the end? Really? And the itch on the back of his head that was mentioned throughout the book but not given any real explanation. Was it a physical manifestation of his incompetence and failures so far in life but is healing now that he was actually able to accomplish something?
I enjoyed being able to read the story from different peoples point of view and how it gave me a different persepective and view of what was going on, expecially since the other characters were thinking the opposite or more negatively. For example, Kyle doing what he did to try and keep Lisa safe, but she just thinks he's a liar and cheater.
I really like the character of Lumbergh and glad that he was such a large part. I'm also glad that he lived after getting shot. At first I had thought he had been killed.
Overall this was a really good book, and I look forward to reading anything else by John A. Daly.
February 10, 2014
I am not generally a murder mystery type reader so this was a bit out of my comfort zone when I agreed to take it on for our book club and a chance to meet the author. Without many books read in this genre to compare it to, I have to review innocently. I was able to easily identify with the characters and although the book had some slow spots in the beginning, it seemed to pick up quickly and kept me on the edge of my seat excitedly waiting for each page turn to see what will happen next. If you like fast action with a lot of shooting guns, you will enjoy this story. The overall plot is somewhat predictable but the twists and turns along the way are surprising. Be prepared for some narration and time changes in chapters to make you think about who you are identifying with. It created some anxiety in me, like watching a scary movie, so I know the author did a good job of getting my attention and causing me to actually live within the lives of the characters. I would recommend murder mystery lovers to read this one.
June 24, 2013
Wow this book will keep you on the edge of your seat. The character is very well written and he not what you will expect. The story takes twists and turns that you just simply won't see coming.
This is a very exciting mystery and you won't want to put it down. And I must say again how much I liked the characters and how they develop along with the story.
John Daly's writing style is a refreshing one. And I must say that when I finished reading this book I wanted to read more by this Author.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written mystery, full of suspense and drama. Grab this book before it is even released. You won't be sorry!
Details/Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for my honest review from the Author. This free book held no determination on my final review.
This is a very exciting mystery and you won't want to put it down. And I must say again how much I liked the characters and how they develop along with the story.
John Daly's writing style is a refreshing one. And I must say that when I finished reading this book I wanted to read more by this Author.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written mystery, full of suspense and drama. Grab this book before it is even released. You won't be sorry!
Details/Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for my honest review from the Author. This free book held no determination on my final review.
March 29, 2014
I found this book earlier this year through a contest on goodreads.com, then I found it at the library.
Take the laughingstock from a small town, someone who always wanted to be a superhero in the eyes of those around him, add him to his chief-of-police brother-in-law who despises him, thinking his irresponsibility forced the issue of moving from Chicago to small town USA, add an autistic pre-teen, an uncle who only wants the best, a newspaper reporter who likes to make the do-gooder the brunt of a joke via a front page news article, a menacing landlord, and a weird suicide to the mix and you’ll get this book.
I know that may sound a bit funny, or maybe even strange, but trust me, this book is anything but….
If you really want to know the truth, you’ll have to read the book!
It’s a 5 star experience!
Take the laughingstock from a small town, someone who always wanted to be a superhero in the eyes of those around him, add him to his chief-of-police brother-in-law who despises him, thinking his irresponsibility forced the issue of moving from Chicago to small town USA, add an autistic pre-teen, an uncle who only wants the best, a newspaper reporter who likes to make the do-gooder the brunt of a joke via a front page news article, a menacing landlord, and a weird suicide to the mix and you’ll get this book.
I know that may sound a bit funny, or maybe even strange, but trust me, this book is anything but….
If you really want to know the truth, you’ll have to read the book!
It’s a 5 star experience!
July 2, 2013
Sean Coleman is one of those type of men that just can't seem to get a break, of course a lot of it is brought on by his own past and propensity for alcohol. He wakes up one morning in a ditch to observe a man in a long black coat shoot himself in the head and plunge into the river. He tries to see if he can find him, but is not successful. When he contacts the local police they of course do not believe him. So starts this exciting murder mystery that keeps the reader wanting more. A well written novel that shows one man's flaws and how he redeems himself to the town and ultimately himself. I love a good mystery and this one is one that definitely deserves a read by the mystery lover. Lots of twists and turns for sure!!!
October 26, 2013
I was given an advance copy of this book for my honest opinion. Hooley dooley, don't expect an early night once you pick up this book. The main character Sean is not all that likeable; flawed does not cut it with him. He's a bully, a drunk and an all round nasty guy but when he by chance sees another man suicide under mysterious circumstances the would be sleuth takes it upon himself to investigate. That's when things start to get really interesting. Now I'm not going to give you spoilers here, but this book picks up pace really quickly and keeps twisting and turning to keep you guessing all the way to the end. Oh and as for our Sean, I think I might just like him now. Great story.
January 26, 2014
I wasn't sure how I would like this book in the beginning, but the pace of the story had me hooked. I was pleased that the main character is flawed and not blessed with great looks or habits. Though having been a nurse, the worry spot in the back of the neck, kinda grossed me out, but I digress. The only bits of the story that were disjointed for me were the two sections where the book suddenly switches to first person. The first time it happened, in my opinion, worked very well, but the second spot, for me, would have been better told in the third person style even if it meant a bit longer of a story. That being said, I enjoyed the book.
February 3, 2014
I was asked to review this for Netgalley. I tried to understand the characters of this story, from the simple Sean Coleman who's a kinda drunk and a bit of a bloke who cried wolf too many times, but the final time was meant to be taken seriously. I disliked the sheriff (his brother in law) and some of the other characters as they weren't too friendly towards him. I liked the little boy who has problems. Sean and him get on and he asks questions as well.
A very through and enjoyable read from an author I can't wait to read other books by.
A very through and enjoyable read from an author I can't wait to read other books by.
February 28, 2014
I started to read "From a Dead Sleep" thinking it would be a book I could slowly read throughout the week. From a short time after I started it, I couldn't put it down. It is the first book I have read by John A. Daly, but it will not be the last. He is a great writer. The book is constantly moving (no boring parts). He's very detailed about the different personalities in the book; very detailed about the background (the surroundings). It is an awesome book and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery! Kudos to you John A. Daly!! Great Book!
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